Friday, June 28, 2013

When it
comes to alcoholism and addiction, a number of questions, concerns and myths
must be dispelled in order to gain a healthy understanding of the condition at
hand. In this entry, we will work through some of the more common questions in
an effort to inform and enlighten those afflicted.

Q: What
is alcoholism?

A:
Alcoholism is a disease. Those struggling with the disease have lost the
ability manage their alcohol intake and are thus unable to gain control without
exterior help. Alcoholics will often lose control over their actions when
drinking to excess.

Q: What
causes alcoholism?

A:
Experts still remain uncertain as to why some individuals become alcoholics.
Many people begin drinking only a little bit only to get hooked down the road.
People might use alcohol to calm their nerves or forget their troubles, but end
up needing it to achieve some sense of normalcy.

Q: Can
you define an “average” alcoholic?

A: The short answer is no. Alcoholics are
found within every social class, race, religion, and age-range.

Q: Is
there a cure?

A: The
only sure-fire cure for alcoholism is complete abstinence. Those in recovery from alcoholism are
referred to as “recovering alcoholics”. These individuals have the potential to
lead happy, healthy and productive lives following treatment.

Q: Can
you force an alcoholic to stop drinking?

A:
Unfortunately, no. Though an alcoholic will often require help to curb their
addiction, there is no way to force them to accept treatment. Friends and
family members of alcoholics must understand that they are unable to provide
assistance on their own. Alcoholics must obtain the help of trained
professionals in order to properly address the condition.

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Alcoholism is a physical addiction affecting the mental
health, physical health, and familial, social, and work-related aspects of the
afflicted individual. Alcohol becomes priority in the person’s life, dominating
relationships and ambition. Alcoholism in celebrities can pose serious harm to
the star’s career, public and personal life, while inhibiting or diminishing
their success.

Truman Capote

In Cold Blood and Breakfast at Tiffany’s writer Truman
Capote struggled publicly with drug addiction and alcoholism. The famed
Novelist entered rehab during the 1970’s, but due to his already compromised
state, died at age 59 in 1984. Truman’s failure to complete his final,
unfinished offering, Unanswered Prayers
has since been blamed on his prolonged substance issues.

Billy Joel

The Piano Man has admitted to a long struggle with alcohol
abuse during adulthood. According to Joel, drinking was able to inhibit his
personal relationships and career. Joel entered a rehabilitation facility
following pleas from fellow musician Elton John. He remains clean and sober to
this day.

Stephen King

The novelist behind classics, Stand by Me, Carrie, and TheGreen Mile struggled with alcohol and
drug abuse for years. King entered treatment following a 1987 intervention by
friends and family members and has maintained his sobriety ever since.

Robin Williams

Actor/Comedian Robin Williams dabbled in alcohol and cocaine
abuse during his early career, but decided to quit following the death of friend
John Belushi in 1982. When Williams began hitting the bottle again in 2006, he
sought immediate treatment for his addiction. These days, Robin Williams is dry
as dirt.

Ernest Hemingway

Perhaps the world’s most well-known literary alcoholic,
Hemingway used alcohol heavily throughout his life. Over time, the writer
experienced extreme physical and mental issues, aggravated by continued
consumption. Ernest Hemingway chose to end his own life prematurely at age 61.

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